Speakers that reveal bad recordings? Not for me.

 
If a system does not reveal bad recordings for what they are, could there be less chance it will release the magic of really well made ones?

There is no right answer, but the one that works best for you. If we assume the recording is what it is, and what you hear from it is a product of your stereo, then do you get more satisfaction from adding distortion or removing it?

I'm still holding out for the view that truth and beauty don't have to be mutually exclusive. Alas, cost introduces compromise - at least for some of us.
 
Tim
 

How could one assume a speaker that hides bad recordings is not doing the same to good recordings?, you cant have it both ways.

I prefer systems that have some flexibility built in, so it is possible to listen to recordings which otherwise are unlistenable or tedious, and to compensate for the difference between your room and the recording venue. Euphonious speakers, however, will degrade the sound of recordings and performances which would otherwise be just right, with your equipment, in your room.

I will ammend my comments. There are some truly bad recordings that are simply unlistenable. However, I find those recordings unlistenable on any system, if they're truly bad they even sound bad on my car system and the boom box at work.

I listen quite contendly to the vast majority of 6500+ cds and 2500+ lps in my collection. For me, and as Almarg stated, its more about finding some sonic aspect of the recording I like, my attention is more easily focused on the good qualities with higher resolution (the good qualities are made better).

I believe there is a lack of consensus about what recordings are bad, objectivity is hard to find here. I also put on different ears for different recordings, the music lover takes precedent over the audiophile for lesser recordings.

Again, I can only go by my experience, all my listenable recordings are more satisfying with each increase in resolution.

Whatever float your boat.
What is considered a pleasant sounding system in my book might puzzle someone else with different preferences.
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As to the degree of transparency for my taste?.......
More transparent the system is, the merrier.

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Compromises and balance is what makes this hobby fun.
Never mind the music enjoyment......which is the ultimate reward.